Walkabout Brewing Co. Ale (Gluten Reduced)

Walkabout Brewing Co. Review

Gluten Reduced Ale

I’ve been eyeing this gluten reduced ale in one of my local natural foods store for awhile, and finally decided to give it a taste. It comes from Medford Oregon and is brewed by Walkabout Brewing Co.

I gather that it is their only gluten “free” (below 20 ppm) option, as it doesn’t seem to have a name beyond Gluten Free Ale. I think it’s the lack of identity that has kept me from purchasing this beer in the past. That and the fact that I opt for 100% gluten free most of the time. But I shall at least taste this one, and let you know what I think!

The Walkabout Taste Test

The beer pours a crystal clear light orange. It has a heavy head, heavier than I’m used to with my usual gluten FREE go-tos. But that’s because it’s a barley brewed beer!

In fact, when I poured it–I forgot this fact and was a little hasty with the pour. Oops. I’ve found that when I pour gluten free beers, I tend to pour them a little rough to encourage a head. That’s not necessary with this gluten reduced ale though. ;)

It has a nice hoppy aroma. It’s inviting. It’s familiar. (I experience this often with gluten reduced beers. They’re such a tease.)

It has a pleasant carbonation level and a citrusy-hoppy taste and a light body. The aftertaste is slightly…not my favorite. But it’s not bad.

The beer’s taste is light at the start of the palate, and then gets progressively happier and a bit more bitter as it moves through the taste experience. It has a 32 IBU which is slightly lower than what I would have guessed. It has a reasonable, but not overboard 5.5% ABV, so you can get a healthy buzz on with this brew.

It’s definitely very drinkable…my main beef is the gluten origin. Not my style these days, but I highly recommend trying this beer if you are tolerant of gluten reduced brews. I noticed I liked it even more as it warmed up.

I’m not quite sure how far they distribute. Has anyone else ever seen it in stores?